CustomsCity Blog

eManifest & Customs Compliance News

Contact Us
blog
Decoding the Role of HTS Codes in Ensuring Accurate Customs Clearance for E commerce Shipments 1

Decoding the Role of HTS Codes in Ensuring Accurate Customs Clearance for E-commerce Shipments

Thinking about importing goods into the U.S.? Between regulations, documentation, and shipping protocols, there’s a lot to navigate. One detail that often gets overlooked until it causes problems? The HTS code. While ‘HTS’ is an abbreviation for Harmonized Tariff Schedule, it is more than an empty box to be filled in on customs forms—it is the determining factor for the rate of duty, the regulations imposed, and whether the shipment

Understanding the Differences Between Type 01, Type 11, and Type 86 Customs Entries When to Use Each

Understanding the Differences Between Type 01, Type 11, and Type 86 Customs Entries: When to Use Each

As an importer, clearing customs is perhaps the most important or, if not, one of the most important milestones in your supply chain.  If you sail through the process without a hitch, your costs stay in check, your timelines remain on track, and your compliance record stays clean. Much of this comes down to selecting the right entry type for your shipment.   Now, for someone new to the world of

Beyond Type 86 How Data Driven Customs Solutions Will Shape Cross Border E commerce

Beyond Type 86: How Data-Driven Customs Solutions Will Shape Cross-Border E-commerce

Since its inception, Entry Type 86 has been the backbone of e-commerce businesses that rely on low-value shipments. This is because it allows all packages under the De Minimis value of $800 to clear customs with minimal hassle.   That said, things changed on May 2nd, 2025—the customs process is getting stricter, and the list of exemptions is smaller. The news is especially grim if your e-commerce business relies on imports

Navigating the End of De Minimis Building a Future Ready Customs Strategy

Navigating the End of De Minimis: Building a Future-Ready Customs Strategy

Starting May 2, 2025, duty-free imports from China and Hong Kong under the De Minimis provision (Section 321 of the Tariff Act) came to an end. In its place, Executive Order 14256 introduces sweeping changes—including flat-rate fees and a hefty 54% ad valorem duty—that will fundamentally reshape how U.S. importers do business. The CBP is also proposing additional rules that would exclude entire product categories exempt under the De Minimis policy

What is CBP Entry Type 11 1

What is CBP Entry Type 11

When importing goods into the US, individuals and businesses must adhere to various customs regulations set by the US Customs & Border Protection (CBP). One of the most critical aspects of the process of importation is understanding entry types. This is particularly so for CBP Entry Type 11 if dealing with informal shipments below a value threshold of $2500 USD. In this article, we will investigate CBP Entry Type 11,

The Role of Trade Agreements in Simplifying Customs Compliance 1

The Role of Trade Agreements in Simplifying Customs Compliance

Global trade has rebounded after the pandemic slump and hit a record high of $33 trillion in 2024. This value is up by $1 trillion from the year before, marking a new era of growth in worldwide commerce. International trade agreements facilitate cross-border trade by streamlining the smooth movement of goods across countries. These documents are crucial for commerce growth, especially as consumers today prefer to shop for products online. Read

Condensed Commentary on CBP Proposed New Rules to Strengthen Enforcement and Limit Duty Exemption for Low Value Shipments 1

Condensed Commentary on CBP Proposed New Rules to Strengthen Enforcement and Limit Duty Exemption for Low-Value Shipments

CBP recently sent the two Notices of Proposed Rulemaking below, which are now open to a 60-day comment period until March 17th, 2025. January 13th, 2025- CSMS # 63715212 – CBP Issues Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to Enhance Enforcement as to Low-Value Shipments   January 17th, 2025- CSMS # 63789491 – CBP Proposes New Rule to Strengthen Enforcement and Limit Duty Exemption for Low-Value Shipments The most significant proposed change

FDA Prior Notice for Emergency Shipments What Importers Need to Know 1

FDA Prior Notice for Emergency Shipments: What Importers Need to Know

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a federal agency that regulates food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices (including those that emit radiation), vaccinations, and veterinary products in the United States. If you intend to import any food product that falls under their purview, you must file an FDA prior notice to obtain customs clearance. While this pre-screening process has set guidelines and timelines, there may be instances where importers need to

Streamlining Global Trade with ACE How Automated Systems Improve Customs Efficiency 1

Streamlining Global Trade with ACE: How Automated Systems Improve Customs Efficiency

According to the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), global trade is poised to reach a value of $32 trillion in 2025 if the current trend of increased exports by the US, China, and India continues. And as per the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the U.S. trade deficit decreased by $8.5 billion as of August 2024. While several factors are at play, some credit can be given to the steadily improving customs clearance processes

Navigating the Complex World of Global Trade Compliance Key Insights and Best Practices 1

Navigating the Complex World of Global Trade Compliance: Key Insights and Best Practices

The twists and turns of global trade compliance might seem frustrating at first, but they’re definitely doable with the right approach. Reports suggest that by the end of 2023: Global merchandise trade jumped 6.3% over 2019 levels. Commercial services saw a 21% increase in value during the same period. Now, with inflation expected to simmer down in 2024, people will have more money to spend, and that means they’ll be